Somber Reptile

How to Create Effective Kata Applications

June 27th, 2008 at 9:34 pm (Better Martial Arts)

How often do you perform a kata movement and think, ‘What on Earth could this be about?” Times change and so does the nature of karate. We are better off working with kata movements in a modern context than trying to guess the original intention of the technique. So why not do a little research and experimentation of our own?

The term bunkai means to break down and study. Anyone with a little imagination and common sense can contribute to this area of karate as long as you understand the basic principles that hold kata together. You can begin by learning the interpretations created by other people, or better still, discover how they added meaning to the techniques.

We can start with a simple example. One principle of bunkai relates to the angle of your movement. The opponent is not necessarily coming from that angle (although he could do), but the pattern shows you the best angle to stand in relation to him. More often than not the best angle allows you maximum effect while reducing the opponent’s options. A good strategy involves turning the opponent’s centre line away from your own while you maintain an advantageous position. From there you can bring all your weapons into play while he is restricted to perhaps just one side.

Armed with this knowledge and a few examples you can now have a go at creating some interesting applications. Think about the following alternatives.

First, define what your opponent does. You could decide upon a common type of attack, perhaps a lapel grab and punch.

Secondly you could work the technique from your end. Ask yourself “Are there any significant clues in the movement?” - look out for mechanical efficiency, grabs, turns and twists or body movements to amplify the effects of a strike.

You don’t have to take the entire kata movement and use it literally. Get the feel for the movement, the idea behind it or take a small segment. Another good example would be the first set of techniques from pinan shodan/heian nidan. How many options are covered within the three basics movements (raise arms, pull inwards, shooting outwards). Look at the whole body movement including the stance. Do not be locked into the arm actions alone.

Allow your training partner to make his attack slowly. Start by performing the kata movement as you might see it when training solo. Does that help? How can you make the movement more effective without losing the essence of it? How does changing the angle and line of attack affect the application?

You’ll probably find that transition and “in-between” movements in the technique will stop, redirect or off-balance your partner and the end movement represents your counter blow, tie-up or throw. What further options are available afterwards?

Work with a number of alternatives and see which is best. Then swap roles so that you are now the attacker and your partner must find a suitable response. When you are both satisfied test out your applications by showing them to someone else. Can they make them work too?

Incorporate the application into your combat drills, flow drills and progressive sparring. If it still holds out as you pile on the pressure there is every chance you have found a winner. Train as close to reality as possible with a partner you don’t normally work with. Be sure to train under as-near-to-live conditions as you can. It’s better to find a flaw in the application now than outside in the street.

As a final check ask yourself if the application fits in with the essence of the kata or your system and if all the basic principles are adhered to. Is the technique easy to perform? Does it put you at a position of advantage? Is there a back-up in case it goes wrong? Can it be used against variations of the basic attack?

Fun and play are an important part of the learning process. So play with your kata! Training in this way helps you uncover the principles and perhaps remember the form better. And of course there’s the satisfaction of creating something for yourself and your colleagues.

For more information about karate kata training
Please visit http://www.thekatabook.com.

Stephen Irwin has studied martial arts since 1985 and presently
teaches non-sports wado ryu karate.

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The Future Laptop Trends

June 27th, 2008 at 5:35 pm (Online Technology Resources)

Do all of us really need a laptop computer? It surely seems that way because demand is sky high. It looks like the demand is outstripping the supply as manufacturers are struggling to meet deadlines for shipments. Many have forcasted laptops to be sought after but its surprising that theres been no slip. Also with notebooks now it looks like every few months or so the technology is already replaced with something else.

One of the rising trends is gaming notebooks. These notebook computers are also increasing in value because of the difficult competition faced from value laptops. I feel notebooks are a sound alternative for playing games. Perhaps not exactly for the hardcore but they’re super for the large number of us. What impressed me the most is how slim and stylish a few gaming notebooks are getting compared to the past. Despite that power has greatly advanced and the designs are thin, honestly power will and should forever trail behind desktop computers. Gaming notebooks are constantly testing the performance barriers of notebook computers so its always a good measure of how far the technology has come in that relation.

Custom laptops will always be attainable because the common configurations don’t provide the spec the certain niche consumers require. The foremost benefits here are the fact that you can typically get better 3rd party components in custom notebooks. In a number of cases you can specify all the major components you want and this is best suited to gaming enthusiasts, professional and hardcore users. Lets face it. You most likely aren’t like everybody else and so standard otebooks won’t do the job. You get past this by buying a notebooks built to . Resellers who offer custom notebooks normally offer a more personal and local service too. To me this is a great plus.

It will intriguing to see what gets released next. I ignored to speak of the giant increase of internet gadgets and laptops. A number of duplicate products have already been released at an ashtonishing speed. I personally feel that we’re bound to see ultra light 15″ notebooks very quickly too. I am sure a couple of companies are already engaged on such plans. Analysing the trends it looks like gaming notebooks will get slimmer and faster. Despite the fact that notebooks technology follows plans there is forever going to be a idea that changes all that.

Check out a few gaming laptops at rizeon.

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Drinks for Lounge Lizards Series #1826: Champagne Flip

June 27th, 2008 at 4:34 pm (Cuisine)

A fantastic lounge lizard recipe for: Champagne Flip, with brandy, Cointreau® orange liqueur, cream, sugar syrup, egg, Champagne and nutmeg.

Category: Cocktails ” Champagne cocktails

Ingredients: 3/4 oz brandy
2 - 3 dashes Cointreau® orange liqueur
1/4 oz cream
1/4 oz sugar syrup
1 egg yolk
4 oz Champagne
1 pinch nutmeg

How to: Shake brandy, cointreau, cream, sugar syrup and egg yolk over ice cubes in a shaker. Strain into a champagne flute, and carefully fill with champagne. Sprinkle with nutmeg, and serve.

Glassware: Champagne Flute

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DIY Homes In The UK

June 26th, 2008 at 8:41 pm (Home Improvement Stuff)

Over the last 7 years or so we have gone through a barrage of different DIY programmes on TV, representing the countries need to be different within our homes. There was a time when, keeping up with your neighbours was the thing and wanting to have the “in colour scheme” or bathroom suite was the way to live our lives, but the DIY show revolution, gave us the confidence to be different from our neighbours and show our own personality through our home.

But after the “zillionth ” show (if there is such a word,) there was obviously going to come a time when the ideas ran out and we the public got bored with seeing the same things done with just a shade different here or there. But rather than giving up the ghost, there seems to be an upsurge in DIY houses, yes forget about the small jobs within an existing house, the British have now taken a bigger interest than ever in DIY, by building their own home.

Being pushed on from new TV programmes that show what is possible for the same money, as a ready-made home, has stimulated the entrepreneurial minds of many of the British public. Knowing that if they do it right, their home would immediately be worth more than they paid for it the day they moved in and have a home where every part of it was part of them.

Of course there are many countries out there, where building their own home is a common as fish and chips, but the “Brits” have up until recently left this mainly to the bold and brave, within a small island where land is more at premium than others and where new families don’t necessarily want a house next to their parents.

The positive point I see with the new TV programmes and magazine articles is showing the downfalls of taking on such ambitious projects. In most cases it ends up costing more than the initial budget and taking longer. Trying to get workmen to do what you want, keeping the quality of build together, dealing with weather issues, getting deliveries on time and even points you did not consider are all part of the trials of building your own home. But rather than putting people off, there is almost a feeling that this enormous challenge actually encourages a normally boring “9 to 5er” to get off their butt and do something with their lives. They can then not only show off their new beautiful home but feel good inside about the personal challenge they overcome to get there. They really do want their home to be their castle, built from sweat and tears.

Understanding that you can build your home from more than bricks, is doesn’t have to be square, it doesn’t have to conform to normal popular building practices, so long as it is safe and conforms to planning permission, really does open the mind to what can be achieved. The cost of the project is only market driven by the cost of the land. Then materials drive the rest of the project costs and labour costs, rather than house prices, which do mean if you get everything, right a very good investment opportunity. However DIY does not mean do everything yourself. Having professional support through the design stage and management of the project might seem expensive but could save you much more in lost time and correct building procedures in the long run. Because if you get this project wrong, a dream home can become a nightmare building site.

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Drinks for Lounge Lizards Series #1780: Apothecary

June 26th, 2008 at 2:19 am (University of Nutrition)

A fantastic lounge lizard recipe for: Apothecary, with Punt e Mes red vermouth, Fernet Branca® bitters and green creme de menthe.

Category: Cocktails ” Short drinks

Ingredients: 3/4 oz Punt e Mes red vermouth
3/4 oz Fernet Branca® bitters
1/4 oz green creme de menthe

How to: Stir in a mixing glass filled with ice cubes. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and serve.

Glassware: Cocktail Glass

What’s in it for you?

(per 1.8 oz serving)

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REIT: Real Estate For The Elite

June 25th, 2008 at 7:15 pm (Great Real Estate Tips)

While real estate syndicates are formed for a variety of reasons, the typical reason is to create a tax shelter. More specifically, the purpose of a Real Estate Investment Trusts or REIT is to reduce or eliminate corporate income taxes. In the United States, where they are generally more widespread as investment vehicles, REIT pay little or no federal income tax but are subject to a number of special requirements set forth in the Internal Revenue Code, one of which is the requirement to distribute annually at least 90 percent of their taxable income in the form of dividends to shareholders.

The first REIT was introduced in the United States in 1960. The vehicle was designed to facilitate investments in large-scale income-producing real estate by smaller investors. The US model was simple, enabling small investors to acquire equity interests in vehicles holding large-scale commercial property. In order to ensure that REIT are widely held, they must have at least one hundred shareholders, no five or fewer individual shareholders can own more than 50 percent of the equity value of the REIT’s shares, and the REIT must be managed by one or more trustees or directors. At least 75 percent of the gross income of the vehicle must come from real estate related sources, and at least 95 percent of the REIT’s gross income must come from real estate related and other passive income sources.

To maintain competitiveness, many REIT have distributed in recent times among investors all or even more than their annualized earnings, often resulting in dividend yields comparable to bond yields. This is not, however, a practice that can be sustained for long even during times of appreciation of real capital assets and market values, much less when values are dropping. In fact, if an investment company such as a REIT distributes more than its taxable income, the excess distribution is considered “return of capital” for tax purposes, which is taxed to the individual investors as a capital transaction, rather than regular income. The end result is, therefore, that the distribution requirement may hamper a REIT’s ability to retain earnings and generate growth.

Because of this, the shift to privatization is driven by the realization that private buyers will pay more for the company than stock market investors will. In addition, rising costs of being publicly-traded companies are another factor enticing REIT to pull out of the stock market. And finally, being private gives Real Estate Investment Trusts a freer hand to reach out for deals in an increasingly competitive market. The reason is that public companies find it very difficult to grow through acquisition, as investors invariably do not justify the risk of development alternatives. The combined power of reduced expenses, consolidated pools of capital and abating real property values are exactly the perfect recipe for making a kill in real estate - and they are doing it!

The inverse relationship between interest rates and prices of REIT’s shares plays a role as well. On average, it is safe to assume that interest rate increases are likely to be met by REIT’s price declines in the Stock Exchange, because increasing rates correspond to a slowdown in the economic growth and less demand. But out of the context of the frantic buy and sell of Wall Street, even slowdown in the market for single-family houses can actually benefit REIT. This is so, because even though real property prices are in decline, it is still cheaper to rent than to own, especially during a period of rising interest rates. And REIT thrive on rentals. No city is a better environment for REIT to operate in than New York City, where some 70 percent of residents rent.

Bottom line is that the privatization trend has taken off this year, and that it is likely to continue for the next foreseeable future. For a list of the Top 100 US REIT, visit http://www.forbes.com
/2006/02/15/real-estate-REITS-cz_sf_0215reits.html?partner=msn

Luigi Frascati

Luigi Frascati is a Real Estate Agent based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics and maintains a weblog entitled the Real Estate Chronicle at http://wwwrealestatechronicle.blogspot.com where you can find the full collection of his articles. Luigi is associated with the Sutton Group, the largest real estate organization in Canada, and is based with Sutton-Centre Realty in Burnaby, BC.

Luigi is very proud to be an EzineArticles Platinum Expert Author. Your rating at the footer of this Article is very much appreciated. Thank you.

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Drinks for Lounge Lizards Series #648: Blue Eye

June 25th, 2008 at 3:58 am (Cuisine)

A fantastic lounge lizard recipe for: Blue Eye, with vodka, Battery® energy drink, sweet and sour mix and Blue Curacao liqueur.

Category: Cocktails ” Long drinks

Ingredients: 4 cl vodka
1 part Battery® energy drink
1 part sweet and sour mix
2 cl Blue Curacao liqueur

How to: Fill the glass with ice and build ordinary with vodka, Battery, Sweet & Sour and Blue curacao at the end.

Glassware: Highball Glass

What’s in it for you?

(per 10 oz serving)

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See Why Lubricants are Magnificent and When to Use Fruity Lubricants

June 24th, 2008 at 9:34 pm (University of Shopping)

Are you not decided which water based lubricant to own? Your questions will be discussed in this following lube post.

Water Based Lubes are not primarily for romantic nights in. Getting oiled up for solo fun is one of the most common uses for water based lubes, fruity oils and fruity lotions. Using water based lube during one on one fun is safe, good and practical. You yourself will want your sex toys to enter and slide as significantly as possible.

If people are looking for a sex lube which is safe to apply with all sex toys stick to a water-based sexual lubricant, there are many tasty types out there like pineapple. And there are some that heat up.

Old school users will often already know what sex lubricant is most enjoyable for them. But if you are buying a water based lube for the first time we would enjoy to recommend the following. It?s wise to start off with a water-based sex lubricant. Water-based sexual lubricants do not stain and sexual lubricants are also totally safe to apply on all vibrators. If you yourself want to try a lube for mouth play Sex Bomb recommend you get one of the sumptuous orange flavoured ones. Anal devotees tend to go for thicker sex lubricant because these fruity lubricants are slightly longer lasting. Remember, the more water based lubricant you use the more mind-blowing sex you can have. Get dominated or be the dominator with Bondage Gear.

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Drinks for Lounge Lizards Series #1194: Cosmopolitan Martini

June 24th, 2008 at 9:20 am (University of Nutrition)

A fantastic lounge lizard recipe for: Cosmopolitan Martini, with Cointreau® orange liqueur, vodka, limes and cranberry juice.

Category: Cocktails ” Short drinks

Ingredients: 1/2 oz Cointreau® orange liqueur
1 oz vodka
juice of 1/2 limes
1 splash cranberry juice

How to: Pour all ingredients in mixing glass half filled with ice, shake and strain into chilled martini glass.

Glassware: Cocktail Glass

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Greg Melikov’s Horses to Watch

June 24th, 2008 at 5:38 am (Gambling Fortunes)

Horses worth watching compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov won four times and finished second three times since April 11.

ARLINGTON PARK

African Sunrise: Raced four wide more than 1 lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied in stretch after losing ground, made up more than 2 lengths and lost by a neck at six furlongs on May 12.

BELMONT

Pennyrile: Raced fourth more than 8 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to third making up more than 4 lengths and was nosed out at six furlongs, running the final quarter in 24 1/5 on May 11.

CALDER

Pinchnicholas: Raced seventh early, dropped back to eighth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, swung out for stretch run in fifth, bothered late, but made up 3 lengths and lost by a length at 1 1/8 miles on the turf May 13.

Staria: Steadied at start, checked early, raced more than 5 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide in stretch, made up more than four lengths and lost by a head at a mile on the turf April 30.

Fortunate Code: Bumped at break, raced tenth early, advanced to fifth eight lengths behind after a half-mile, swung out for stretch run, rallied from fourth to make up more than 5 lengths and lost by a head at six furlongs on April 25. (Chased runner-up from onset, wore down rival in stretch and won by a length at seven furlongs on May 12.)

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Handlewoman: Broke in air, landed badly to trail early, raced ninth more than 8 lengths behind after three-sixteenths of a mile, raced near hedge around turn, angled out eight wide into lane, bumped late by winner, made up more than two lengths and lost by a length at five furlongs on the turf May 13.

Kin to the Wind: Stumbled after start, trailed early, raced ninth more than 7 lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to seventh on far turn, gained more than 2 lengths in stretch and lost by three-quarters of a length and a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf March 26 at Gulfstream Park. (Sluggish at start, settled in seventh after a half-mile, edged up between rival on far turn, awaited room at quarter mile, angled out five wide in stretch and drew clear by 1 lengths at a mile on the grass May 10.)

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Iza General: Raced in fifth between horses more than 5 lengths behind after a half-mile, came out in stretch, made up three lengths and lost by a head at six furlongs running the final quarter in 24 1/5 May 12.

Lucky Stab: Trailed early, raced 6 lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, came out wide into stretch, rallied from fourth to make up 3 lengths and lost by a head at 6 furlongs on April 28.

Midnighter: Chased pace more than five lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, split rivals twice on turn, came out wide bumping with winner in mid-stretch, made up 2 lengths and lost by a head at seven furlongs on April 2 at Santa Anita. (Broke slowly, trailed inside by more than five lengths after a half-mile, advanced four wide off turn, drifted in a bit in stretch and gained second by 4 lengths at seven furlongs on April 27.)

INDIANA DOWNS

Buster Bailey: Broke from outside post, raced seventh more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, came five wide into stretch, made up nearly 2 lengths and was nosed out at 1 1/16 miles on April 22 at Hawthorne. (Raced fourth after a half-mile, saved ground into the lane, angled out in stretch, caught leader inside sixteenth pole and drew clear by two lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf May 8.)

LOUISANA DOWNS:

Shezacommander: Trailed early, inched up to eighth more than 8 lengths behind after a half-mile, slipped through along rail in stretch, angled out late to make up more than 5 lengths and gained second by a half-length at seven furlongs on May 14.

MONMOUTH:

Slews Enough: Pinched back, bumped at break, trailed early, inched up to seventh more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, came three wide into stretch rallying from fourth to make up more than 2 lengths and gained second by 3 lengths at six furlongs on May 13.

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Letrado: Raced fifth early, dropped back to sixth more than 6 lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced wide on far turn, rallied from third to make up 2 lengths in stretch and lost by a half-length at a mile and 70 yards on May 13.

Sans Win: Raced fourth more than 5 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to make up five lengths and gained second by 5 lengths at 6 furlongs on April 23. (Raced third early, dropped back to fourth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to make up 2 lengths and gained second by 1 lengths at 5 furlongs on May 15.)

Sign Post: Didn’t break alertly, raced sixth early, advanced to fifth more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied inside into stretch, closed gamely from fourth to second making up two lengths and lost by a length at 5 furlongs on April 11. (Pressed pace early, led by a half-length after a half-mile, took command in stretch and won by three lengths at six furlongs on May 6.)

Imachadancer: Raced sixth more than 3 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied to fourth in stretch, closed well to make up 5 lengths and lost by a length at six furlongs on a sloppy surface April 8.

PIMLICO

I’ve Got Speed: Raced 5 lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, dropped back to fifth after six furlongs, rallied outside winner in stretch to make up more than 4 lengths and lost by three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on a good surface May 13.
Grand Lucenci: Broke last, raced tenth more than 15 lengths behind after a half-mile, shifted out eight wide in lane, closed willingly from ninth to make up nine lengths in stretch and gained place by a neck running the final quarter of six furlongs in 23 seconds on April 30.

TAMPA BAY DOWNS

Cimarrona: Raced five lengths behind after a half-mile, came six wide into stretch, made up nearly 3 lengths and lost by a neck at six furlongs on April 23. (Led by a head after a half-mile, hung after long stretch drive but held place by 6 lengths at six furlongs on May 6.)

El Soprano: Raced 3 lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, dropped back from sixth to seventh looking for room in upper stretch, closed fast when clear, making up four lengths, and lost by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf March 7. (Broke sharply to gain early lead, drew off by 3 lengths in stretch and won by three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on the grass April 11.)

WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

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